Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has given approval for the drilling of boreholes at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps in Lokoja and other parts of the state.
This is to ensure that persons and families displaced by flood are not exposed to water-borne diseases, as the camps are facing acute shortage of potable water.
The provision of boreholes will also help to ameliorate the hardship the displaced persons go through while in search of water.
The state Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this at a press conference in Lokoja on Thursday.
He said Governor Ododo directed the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) to immediately begin the borehole drilling in the (IDP) camps to ensure sufficient supply of clean water.
Fanwo said the Governor gave the directive while on visits to some of the IDP Camps on Thursday.
He said Ododo has also ju directed the provision of more relief materials to the IDP camps immediately.
“To ensure effectiveness, a service provider, Komforte Koncept has been engaged by the State Government to supply the relief materials to IDP camps to cater for the major needs of the displaced persons.
“The swift action taken by the Governor in drilling the boreholes was as a result of the increasing population and challenges faced as a result of the flood disaster in the state, he said.
“RUWASSA was given a 48-hour deadline to complete the drilling and installation of necessary materials to ensure that the residents of the camps have access to clean water during their stay.
“Governor Ododo also expressed satisfaction with the service provider contracted to deliver relief materials, including food, medicals and other materials to the IDP Camps,” Fanwo said.
He said the government was committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its citizens, and that no one would be left behind.
The Commissioner reassured the residents of the state that the government would continue to provide support to IDPs and work towards their rehabilitation and reintegration into the society.
The relief materials, which include food items, clothing, medicals and other essential supplies, were distributed to the IDP camps in a bid to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the devasting flood.(vitalnewsngr.com)
